I made it to Legends' Harley-Davidson at about 8:30 to find that they open at 9:00. So I headed off to get gas to waste a little time. When I returned they were putting bikes out front for display. Drew was there and I thanked him again for helping me a couple of months ago. I asked him if he saw his picture and my story about him on my web site. He said that he had not. One of the gals at the counter brought up my web site and had me show her where it was. She thought it was pretty cool; the stuff that I wrote about their dealership. I passed out a few more cards about the Website, said goodbye and headed off on highway 28. Highway 2 was probably still closed from a fire that was 3,000 acres last night and the TV said it was 18,000 acres this morning.
It was only a 169-mile ride in to Spokane today. I made it to Shumates Harley-Davidson around 11:00 this morning. I visited with Pete, who sold us Joni's new bike in April, and about every one else who worked there as well. I left to go to Costco to see if they had a mount for my Garmin GPS. They didn't and told me that the brand that they sold was no where near the quality that my Garmin is. They said to try a Radio Shack down the road. I got outside to find a crowd around my bike and after a few more stories, I backed out to leave. As soon as l let the clutch lever half way out it popped and my cable broke the end off at the barrel by the lever. I pulled right into another parking spot and pulled out my spare clutch cable. It gets interesting trying to reach in over the transmission and behind the hot pipe to get the new end installed. Even more so when a lot of people want to talk about the bike at the same time. Mission accomplished and off to Radio Shack I went. I checked the fuse before I left and it looked good, but didn't try a new one then. I tried one there and guess what? The unit works again! Funny what a little 2 amp fuse that can look good but isn't can cause.
On the way back to the Harley Shop I stopped at a Subway for a much needed sandwich. I figured the free BBQ that they were putting on wasn't gonna happen in time for my belly. A few more riders were at the dealership, but not the ones who were going on the ride. A photographer from the newspaper was there and loved to take pictures of my bike, among others as well. A short time later, a young gal named Lisa, asked me if she could interview me. I started by asking her how long she was at the paper, what did she do before that, etc… I think I got in about 6 or 7 questions before one of the guys that works there said, “Wait a minute, isn't she supposed to ask you the questions?” While we were laughing, Lisa asked me if she could record me so she could get it right. Now that was very cool. A lot of the other reporters think they are so good that they can remember what their notes translate to, which usually isn't the right stuff. We talked for quite a while and Lisa said that she has never been on a motorcycle, except for her brothers dirt bike for only a short way. I asked her if she would like to go for a ride on my rat bike. Her face lit right up as she said “SURE!” I told her that I am happily married to a wonderful woman for over 20 years and that she better not expect anything other than a short ride down the street and back. We all laughed and she had a helmet given to her by Pete. She was all smiles as she was trying to figure how to get on the rat bike. The photographer was having a good old time getting lots of pictures as we rode off. I told her that I wouldn't scare her and only went a few blocks away and returned to more pictures. I asked her to mail me the article and she said she would. She loved the ride by the way!
A short time later a dozen or so bikes arrived. They were from the Tacoma HOG chapter. I met Daryl, the Road Captain and asked him if he minded if I join them for tomorrow’s ride. He said “The more the merrier,” but that they were not going directly to Missoula the fast way. They were going down 195 to hwy 12 and over Lolo Pass. That would turn a 220 mile ride into about 450 or so. I told him that hwy 12 up to Lolo Pass is my favorite road to ride on as it follows the river up a long and winding beautiful section of scenery. I also met Bear, Ken, Dave and Karen, and Ed Jr. who owns Destination Harley-Davidson in Tacoma. Another familiar face turned out to be Ron from Milwaukee and his wife Maureen. I met him 5 years ago on the 100th anniversary ride. He works for the Motor Company and is in charge of parts and accessories among a host of other things. He said that he remembered me and we talked for a while. I asked him if he could do me a favor and find me a parade pass for Milwaukee. He said no right away and then he said that he would make some phone calls, so I gave him my cell phone number in case he can make it happen. I also saw JT from HOG and we spoke for a while too. A short time later I saw Carl (Mailman) come in the door with a big grin on his face, yelling, “Milo, what are you doing here?” His gal Helen, was with him on her Dyna. We all talked for a while catching up as I have known Mailman for around 25 years or so as we see each other at a lot of runs over the years. A few of us took off for the motel and got settled in. The plan is to meet at 7:15 to leave for breakfast and depart from here at 8:00. Then thay said 8:00 so we can be on the road by 8:30! The news show Missoula as being wet tonight but we will see what tomorrow brings. IT IS WHAT IT IS!
